Can I Afford to Live in Taipei vs Medellín on $120K?

Here's how a $120K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Taipei, TW
$6,655/mo take-home
Rent: $700/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Medellín, CO
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (7% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Taipei
TW
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,655
$7,155Best ✓
1BR rent
$700
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$60
$55Best ✓
Internet
$20Best ✓
$30
Left after essentials
$5,345/month
$6,040/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Taipei (TW rate: 5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Taipei?

At $120K/year in Taipei, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,655. With 1BR rent around $700/month, rent takes up 11% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Medellín?

At $120K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 7% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,040/month vs $5,345/month in Taipei.

Can I afford to live alone in Taipei on $120K?

Yes. At $120K in Taipei, rent takes 11% of your take-home, leaving $5,345/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Taipei vs Medellín

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only